Operations

ABA Selects Host City For Marketplace 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The American Bus Association has selected St. Louis, Mo. to host ABA’s Marketplace 2015. The event will be held Jan. 10-13 at the America’s Center Convention Complex. ABA’s 37th annual gathering will mark St. Louis’ first time as a host city.

The number of hotels in close proximity to the convention center and world-class America’s Center, where Marketplace will take place, helped St. Louis be chosen.

More than 3,000 attendees are estimated to attend Marketplace 2015. The event has proven it’s the place where business gets done, generating nearly $80 million for the delegates, suppliers and host city in 2012.

“The American Bus Association is always thrilled when we can hold Marketplace in a destination as diverse as our attendees,” ABA president and CEO Peter Pantuso said in a statement. “St. Louis was selected after an exhaustive bid process where several cities submitted proposals to host ABA’s Marketplace. The number of hotels in close proximity to the convention center and world-class America’s Center, where Marketplace will actually take place, helped St. Louis end up on top.”

“Marketplace is the premier business event for the group travel industry,” said Kathleen Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, in a statement. “We look forward to hosting Marketplace 2015 and showcasing the destination to key motorcoach and tour operators, plus other key representatives in the tourism industry.”